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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,801 Podiatrists Daily
December 18, 2014 #5,246  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| EDITOR's NOTE | |
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We wish all our Jewish readers and their families a Happy Chanukah |
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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How do you handle your coding/billing? |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
MS Podiatrist Discusses DPN in Feet
Stefanie M. Thomas is a Mississippi podiatrist who treats diabetes-related illnesses on a daily basis. She believes that it is vitally important to educate state residents about diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a serious diabetes-related condition that damages nerve fibers.
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Dr. Stefanie Thomas |
"DPN can vary from mild (tingling, burning, stinging sensation) to more severe forms (muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, foot deformities). Some patients may have a sense of altered foot temperature, known as 'cold toes', Patients sometimes notice an increase in symptoms at night, making it difficult to sleep," says Dr. Thomas.
Source: Picayune Item [12/13/14]
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| PODIATRUISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
High Heels are a Greater Hazard in Winter: OR Podiatrist
It’s winter and that means women everywhere will be pulling their favorite pair of boots out of the closet. While flat heeled boots are fine, those with high heels may leave you doing some acrobatics. Slips and falls from high-heeled boots account for dozens of injuries each year, turning the fashionable footwear into unflattering casts and crutches, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
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Dr. Kevin Walker |
“The foot is most stable when the ankle is closest to the shin,” said Dr. Kevin Walker, a podiatrist at Ogden Clinic. “With that said, women’s high heels present an interesting dilemma for the function of the foot. The higher the heel, the more unstable the foot and ankle.” Walker said high heels during the holidays might make you feel like a million bucks, but the pain and unstable walking can have some pretty negative consequences, including foot, ankle, and back pain.
Source: Jamie Lampros, Standard-Examiner [12/16/14]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY | |
Being "Too Busy" Sends the Wrong Message to Patients and Referrers
"Nothing succeeds like success" goes the old saying. And looking busy does say you're successful. In fact, it's a great image! But if your "busy-ness" looks excessive, it can send the wrong message – antagonize patients and discourage referrals. An example of such overkill: practitioners who are always behind schedule and "complain" how swamped they are. They come across as breathless and time-pressured. It may be true – but it's the wrong message to send to patients who are paying for your time and expertise and expect someone who is alert, attentive, and at his or her best.
Tested Tip: When telling patients, physicians, and other referral sources how busy your practice is, stop short of making it sound as if you are too busy to see new patients or give existing patients the time and attention to which they are entitled.
Source: 201 Secrets of a High Performance Optometric Practice by Bob Levoy
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| HEALTHCARE NEWS | |
One in Five Americans Have Credit Blemishes Because of Medical Debts
One in five American consumers — 43 million people — have blemishes on their credit reports because of overdue medical bills, while medical debts make up more than half of collection items on credit reports, according to a newly released federal report. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released the report ahead of a public hearing on medical debt collection in Oklahoma City. The report follows the bureau’s finding last spring that medical debt can unfairly harm credit scores, which affect whether people can borrow money and what interest rate they pay.
The report found that consumers might be confused because there was not a standard length of time after which medical providers send bills to collections; some hospitals and physicians may send bills to collections after 30 days, while others may wait as long as 180 days. Similarly, there is no rule about how soon collection agencies may report overdue accounts to credit bureaus, creating a black mark on a credit file. Unlike delinquent credit card debt, which often involves balances of thousands of dollars, the median unpaid medical collection amount is $207, the report found.
Source: Ann Carrins, The New York Times [12/11/14]
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Tagamet Dose for Single Wart
I saw a patient in the office today complaining of a painful wart on the plantar aspect of her foot around the heel. It is 1 cm in diameter. Would Tagamet be indicated in the treatment of a single wart? If so, what dose would I put her on. She is 70 years. old and weighs around 175 lbs.
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| QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: Countries That Accept the DPM Degree
What countries in Central and South America, or the Carribbean recognize the U.S. DPM degree?
Charles Perry, DPM, Zanesville, OH
Editor's comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Currently, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, St. Martin, and Uruguay accept the DPM degree. Scope of practice, however, varies in each jurisdiction. The Federation of International Podiatrists (FIP) is actively promoting the portability of the DPM degree throughout the world.
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| QUERIES (EMR) | |
Query: Billing Software for Practice Fusion
To my colleagues using Practice Fusion EMR: what billing software are you using and are you satisfied?
Walter Roth, DPM, Lake Mary, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Donald R Blum, DPM, JD
"....When I received the new patient paperwork, an arbitration document was included in the packet for me to sign. It basically stated that if I felt dissatisfied in the care I received and I was considering a medical liability claim, I could arbitrate the matter with the institution where the care was provided instead of a seeking legal counsel."
I think the key word in the notice is "could". To me, this is giving you the option to arbitrate versus making it the only option. Please do not construe this to be legal advice. I also suggest asking them the meaning of the notice.
Donald R Blum, DPM, JD, Dallas, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
A friend of mine called me over the weekend asking me about similar paperwork she had to sign in order to gain admission to a motivational seminar in New York City. I could not imagine anyone suing them over not "being motivated"; however, what they may be concerned with is if she is not happy with the program, leaves early, and wants her six hundred dollars returned.
This would go to arbitration. This might be what is so with the orthopedic group. With high co-payments with the new insurance plans, many patients might run up a bill for a couple of thousand of "out-of-pocket" dollars and look for ways to not pay the bill. Some patients truly believe they are covered for all services, and then refuse to pay even though the visits went toward a four thousand dollar deductible. In other cases, the patients might claim they do not owe money because their knees or shoulders did not feel better. I cannot see a court allowing a patient to sign his or her rights to sue for professional negligence.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Celebrity Shoes of the Day
These are a pair of Bette Midler's autographed shoes from my collection.
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Bette Midler's autographed shoes |
Hartley Miltchin, DPM, Toronto, Canada
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
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Earn 15 Contact Hours only $179
(Less than $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MI, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, VA, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, MO, MT, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
DIABETIC FOOT AND WOUND FELLOWSHIP – DALLAS, TX
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2015. Candidate must have completed a podiatric residency/plastic surgical residency/general surgery residency and be eligible for Texas Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex wound patient. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and 3 letters of recommendation to amanda.murden@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Milwaukee Wisconsin. High earning potential with competitive benefits as part of a 40 year old company for the right candidates. Contact ckestner@preferredpodiatry.com for additional information.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA FLORIDA
Beaches, great weather, great restaurants, culture , all year! – Be part of a unique thriving practice model that will survive any environment. "Old-style" work ethic. Associate to "Buy-In" Opportunity. Customer service, sense of humor detailed, driven, laid back personality. Market yourself and the practice. Good surgical skills, Great practice management ability. Email, "I'm the ONE!", why you want to join this practice, CV, docmkatz@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA
Join our Team! Thriving, five location, progressive, podiatry practice seeking a family-oriented Associate Podiatrist to build career and long-term relationship. Must be surgically trained (PSR-24/36) and have EMR experience. Position available in our Statesboro, GA location, one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia and home to Georgia Southern University. Associate will have full range of services and access to Surgical Center along with access to all of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Email CV with Cover Letter to hr@atlanticfeet.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH GEORGIA/CHATTANOOGA AREA
Busy group practice located in Chattanooga area seeking a growth-oriented individual with a strong work ethic to join our expanding 5 physician TEAM. Must have PM&S 36. Established patient base with tremendous growth opportunity. Associate with partnership potential. Chattanooga offers a strong music and arts culture, unrivaled outdoor amenities, and a government/populace committed to sustainable development. Competitive Salary and benefits. Email cover letter and CV to hr@advfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO
Well-established group practice in Ohio seeks a well-trained surgeon, PSR24/36. Our practice provides all of the latest technology needed to provide patients with the best care, including ultrasound, lasers, PAD testing, DME, EMR and digital x-ray. Competitive compensation package including salary and bonus. Please send CV to: DPMgroup1@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION(S) – GEORGIA
Podiatrist(s) needed as Independent contractor(s) in Georgia. Candidate(s) must have Georgia license by January 2015 to be considered and ready to start by February 2015. Assignments include in-office, surgery center as well as facility care of patients. Interested candidates please submit CV to myromeclinic@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR SOUTHEASTERN PA
General and surgical podiatry practice providing comprehensive patient care with hospital privileges available. Must be surgically trained. Send letter and CV to podmedsurg@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK
Well- rounded, hospital based podiatry practice. Large number of new patients monthly, digital x-rays, and EMR. Team Podiatrist for Division 1 College Sports Program. Currently have 3 DPMs and 3 offices. Senior partner is Chair of Pod Dept.; Partner & Associate are involved in wound center. Offices located 75 miles north of New York City, in the beautiful Hudson Valley. More affordable cost of living; great place to live. Looking for a personable individual with strong ethics and high motivation. Seeking an associate leading to potential partnership. Must have PM & S- 36 training. Please call (845) 471-2243 or email eriksims@hotmail.com.
ASSOCIATE PART-TIME POSITION – PHOENIX ARIZONA
Seeking part-time associate in a group practice. Board Qualified/Certified , motivate, ethical, hard-working. Established 30 + year-old practice with diverse patient demographics with large referral base. Letter/CV to pdxbaba@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Salary range $120k-$140k (base + bonus) and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. We are looking for an entrepreneurial-minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with doctors who are as committed to your success as we are to our own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST POSITION – CHICAGO AREA
Well-rounded urban practice with hospital affiliation looking for Associate to cover 2 offices. All phases of podiatric practice. Four day week schedule. Must have 3 year residency and proficient in rear foot surgery. Six figure base income, health, malpractice, 401K Contribution. Joint Commission Accredited on-site surgical suite. Interested podiatric physician can fax your resume to: 773-374-5860 or e-maildrjenkins@southchicagofoot.com
IMMEDIATE OPENING – WASHINGTON, DC.
Active DC License required now. Foot and Ankle Associates of Washington is growing. All facets of podiatry including office, ER, hospital surgery, and nursing homes. We are in three offices in the DC area. Applicants should be PSR-24/36. Competitive salary. Significant patient flow. EMR. Opportunity to get cases for boards. Hospital based practice.. Come grow with us. Send CV and references to DCMDfootdoc@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – MARYLAND
Well established, turn-key busy podiatry practice with accredited hospital-grade ASC is available for sale. Situated in a full service medical building located in a very desirable and convenient area of Northwest Baltimore County. Strong referral base and modern facility with EMR, digital x-rays, hi-def ultrasound and multi-use laser equipped. A great opportunity for a group to expand services into this area or for a very motivated and well trained individual. For more information contact Mr. Jesse Delanoy, attorney representative c/o Offit/Kurman Law Group: jDelanoy@offitkurman.com or at his office 301-575-0301.
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 16,000 DPMs and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 16,000 DPMs. For details, click here or write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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| Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management® Magazine and Podiatry Management® Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
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